ARTHOIS, Jacques d'
(b. 1613, Bruxelles, d. 1686, Bruxelles)

Rudolf von Habsburg Handing over his Horse to a Priest

1650s
Oil on canvas, 207 x 284 cm
Private collection

This unusual subject is taken from the Chronicon Helveticum written by Aegidius Tschudi (1505-72). Whilst out hunting, Graf Rudolf von Habsburg comes across a priest taking the viaticum to the dying, and in a show of piety hands over his horse for the priest to use.

The figures kneeling beside the path in the foreground are probably portraits of the patron's family members.




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